Battery apparatus

Abstract

A battery device according to various embodiments comprises a battery assembly, a housing for housing the battery assembly, a plurality of flow paths disposed between the battery assembly and the inner wall of the housing and through which a cooling material for cooling heat generated in the battery assembly flows, and a connecting device fluidly connecting at least some of the plurality of flow paths, wherein the connecting device may include a first connecting part and a second connecting part connected to the first connecting part and coupled to be movable relative to the first connecting part within the housing.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application is based on Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2024-0111432 and No. 10-2024-0188286, which were filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 20, 2024 and December 17, 2024, respectively, and whose contents are incorporated in whole into this application by reference herein, and claims priority thereof.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] This application relates to a battery device. Background Technology

[0005] As the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites accelerates, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging as energy sources is actively underway.

[0006] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have the advantages of high energy density and a very low self-discharge rate, as they exhibit almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based rechargeable batteries.

[0007] Recently, to improve energy density, battery cells and other components have been placed in most of the space within the battery device, which has reduced the space available for surrounding parts. Additionally, since the heat generated by multiple battery cells affects the performance and safety of the battery device, it is necessary to properly manage this heat. The problem to be solved

[0008] Heat generated in the battery cell can be released to the outside through a cooling material flowing through a flow path, which is one of the peripheral components of the battery device.

[0009] Meanwhile, the flow path provided in the battery device may be formed by connecting and assembling a plurality of disconnected flow paths (e.g., individual pipes) for ease of assembly. In this case, it is necessary to fluidly connect each of the mutually spaced flow paths; conventionally, methods have been considered to connect the disconnected flow paths by using a connector with an integrally formed structure or a press-fit hose based on an elastic material.

[0010] However, as the space for placing peripheral components in the battery unit is reduced, there is a problem in that it is difficult to provide sufficient space for assembling the integrated connector, and there may also be a problem in that the press-fit hose is destroyed during disassembly, making reuse impossible.

[0011] Various embodiments of the present application can provide a battery device with improved energy density through a reusable connection device that is easy to assemble and disassemble even in a confined space.

[0012] The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems can be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] A battery device according to one embodiment of the present application comprises a battery assembly, a housing for housing the battery assembly, a plurality of flow paths disposed between the battery assembly and the inner wall of the housing and through which a cooling material for cooling heat generated in the battery assembly flows, and a connecting device fluidly connecting at least some of the plurality of flow paths, wherein the connecting device may include a first connecting part and a second connecting part connected to the first connecting part and coupled to be movable relative to the first connecting part within the housing.

[0014] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the second connection may include an insertion space into which the first connection may be at least partially inserted.

[0015] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the first connection portion can move relatively along a direction in which at least a portion of the area is inserted into an insertion space or released from an insertion space within the housing.

[0016] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the first connection portion may partially include an area that overlaps with the second connection portion when moving relative to it.

[0017] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the first connection portion may further include a first coupling portion that does not overlap with the second connection portion when moving relative to it, and a first hook portion that is mounted on the outer surface of the first coupling portion and has a first protruding catch portion that protrudes inwardly toward the first coupling portion.

[0018] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the first hook portion further includes a handling portion formed to protrude outwardly in a direction opposite to the protrusion direction of the first protruding catch portion, and the handling portion may be formed to protrude so as not to overlap with the insertion space when viewed from the direction in which the first connection portion moves relative to it.

[0019] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the second connection part may further include a fixed coupling part having a through-hole formed therein so that a part of the first connection part inserted into the insertion space is exposed.

[0020] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the connection device may further include a coupling member in which at least a portion is coupled between the first connection member and the second connection member so as to prevent relative movement between the first connection member and the second connection member through a through-hole.

[0021] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the fixed coupling portion may further include a locking portion arranged to protrude from a surface facing the first insertion portion and contact a handling portion when the first connection portion is inserted into the second connection portion.

[0022] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the fixed coupling portion may further include a seating portion arranged to be indented from the surface facing the first connection portion and to come into contact with the first hook portion when the first connection portion is inserted into the second connection portion.

[0023] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the first connection portion may further include a first disc portion connected to a first hook portion and disposed between an insertion space and a first coupling portion during relative movement.

[0024] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the first disc portion may be arranged to overlap at least partially with the insertion space when viewed from a relative moving direction.

[0025] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the first disc portion may have a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the region overlapping with the insertion space when viewed from the direction of relative movement.

[0026] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the first coupling member may have an inclined surface inclined with respect to the direction of relative movement.

[0027] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the first connection portion may further include a groove portion in at least a part of the area that overlaps with the second connection portion during relative movement.

[0028] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the second connection part includes a second coupling part that does not overlap with the first connection part during relative movement, and the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the first coupling part may be parallel to the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the second coupling part.

[0029] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the second connection portion may further include a second hook portion having a second protruding catch portion that is mounted on the outer surface of the second coupling portion and protrudes inwardly toward the second coupling portion.

[0030] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the main flow direction of a cooling material passing through a portion of a first connection part that overlaps with a second connection part during relative movement may be parallel to the main flow direction of a cooling material passing through a first connection part.

[0031] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the second connection portion may further include a second disc portion connected to a second hook portion and disposed between an insertion space and a second coupling portion during relative movement.

[0032] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the second connection part includes a second coupling part that does not overlap with the first connection part during relative movement, and the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the first coupling part may be substantially perpendicular to the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the second coupling part.

[0033] In a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application, the main flow direction of a cooling material passing through a portion of a first connection part that overlaps with a second connection part during relative movement may be parallel to the main flow direction of a cooling material passing through a first connection part and substantially perpendicular to the main flow direction of a cooling material passing through a second connection part.

[0034] Specific details of other embodiments may be referenced in the detailed description and drawings. Effects of the invention

[0035] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a battery device that is easy to assemble and disassemble even in a confined space, is reusable even when disassembled, does not waste space for unnecessary assembly within the battery device, improves energy density by properly handling heat generated from battery cells, etc., and has improved performance and safety. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0036] The drawings shown in this application are in accordance with embodiments of this application, and the ratios of the width, height, or thickness (or height) of each component are intended to explain this application in detail and may differ from the actual. Additionally, in the coordinate system shown in the drawings, each axis may be perpendicular to the others, the direction indicated by the arrow may be the + direction, and the direction exactly opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow (a direction rotated 180 degrees) may be the - direction. FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view briefly illustrating at least a part of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application. FIGS. 4 to 6 are simplified perspective views illustrating a connection device of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application. FIGS. 7 to 9 are simplified perspective views illustrating a connection device of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a connection device of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a connection device of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 12 is a rear view briefly illustrating a part of the connection device of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application. FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14 are simplified perspective views illustrating a connection device of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of a first coupling portion according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a connection device of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application. FIGS. 17 and FIGS. 18 are simplified perspective views illustrating a connection device of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a connection device of a battery device according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view briefly illustrating at least a portion of the area where a combination according to one embodiment of the present application contacts a first connection part. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0037] Prior to the detailed description of this application, terms and words used in this specification and claims may not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Furthermore, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of terms to best describe their invention, they may be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of this application. The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of this application and may not represent all of the technical spirit of this application. Therefore, various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0038] Identical reference numbers or symbols in each drawing attached to this specification may represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols may be used to describe different embodiments. That is, even if components having the same reference number are depicted in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings may not all represent a single embodiment.

[0039] In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprising" or "constituting" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0040] Additionally, in the following description, expressions such as upper side, top, lower side, bottom, side, front, and rear are based on the direction depicted in the drawing, and may be expressed differently if the direction of the object changes.

[0041] Additionally, in this specification and claims, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to distinguish between components. Such ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from one another, and the meaning of the terms should not be limited by the use of such ordinal numbers. For example, the order of use or arrangement of components combined with such ordinal numbers should not be limited by the number. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0042] In this specification, the term "battery" may be used interchangeably with "cell." Additionally, "battery" or "cell" may be a collective term for a battery cell, a battery module containing a battery cell, or a battery pack, which are units thereof.

[0043] Various embodiments of the present application can provide a battery device that is easy to assemble and disassemble even in a confined space, and improves energy density by properly handling heat generated from battery cells, etc., while minimizing problems affecting performance and safety.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of at least a part (e.g., part A of FIG. 1) of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0045] In this specification, the battery device (10) may mean anything that includes a battery cell. For example, the battery device (10) may be a battery pack that includes a conventional battery module, a so-called cell-to-pack type battery pack that includes a non-modularized battery cell, or a battery module that includes a conventional battery cell.

[0046] In one example, the battery device (10) may include a battery assembly (100). In this specification, the battery assembly (100) may include one or more battery cells. In one example, the battery assembly (100) may be a battery module in which the battery cells are housed in a case. In one example, the battery assembly (100) may be in a form in which the battery cells are stacked in one direction in an aligned manner.

[0047] In one example, the battery device (10) may include a housing (200) that accommodates a battery assembly (100). The battery assembly (100) may be accommodated inside the housing (200). The shape of the housing (200) is not particularly limited as long as it can accommodate the battery assembly (100). For example, the housing (200) may be in the shape of a cuboid with one side open while forming a receiving space for accommodating the battery assembly (100), and the open side may be sealed with a cover or the like after assembly is completed. For example, the housing (200) may include a pack outer wall frame (1A-1) that surrounds at least a portion of the battery assembly (100) provided in the receiving space of the battery assembly (100). Additionally, for example, the housing (200) may include a pack side wall (1A-2) extended in a first direction (e.g., D2 axis direction) and a cross member (1A-3) extended in a second direction (e.g., D1 axis direction) to partition the receiving space of the battery assembly (100) in correspondence with the size of the battery assembly (100). Additionally, for example, the housing (200) may partition an electrical space (1A-4) through the pack side wall (1A-2) and the cross member (1A-3) in which an electrical device other than the battery assembly (100) can be accommodated. For example, the electrical device may include a Battery Management System, which is electrically connected to the battery assembly (100) included in the battery device (10) to transmit and receive data necessary for the management of the battery assembly (100) and to perform calculations based on the data.

[0048] In one example, the battery device (10) may include a flow path (300) through which a cooling material flows (e.g., an inlet path (220) communicating with the refrigerant inlet pipe (1C-1) in FIG. 2 and an outlet path (230) communicating with the refrigerant outlet pipe (1C-2)). The cooling material may cool the heat generated in the battery assembly (100). The cooling material is a substance that causes a cooling action and is not particularly limited to any substance used as a coolant in the art. For example, the cooling material may include at least one of water, ammonia, Freon gas, or methyl chloride. For example, the cooling material may be introduced through the refrigerant inlet pipe (1C-1), flow around the battery assembly (100) along the inlet path (220) and the outlet path (230), and be discharged through the refrigerant outlet pipe (1C-2).

[0049] In one example, a flow path (300) (e.g., inlet path (220), outlet path (230)) may be positioned inside the housing (200) between the battery assembly (100) and the inner wall (1A-1, 200I) of the housing (200). The flow path (300) may be a peripheral component of the battery device (10). In one example, the flow path (300) may be fixed to the inner wall (1A-1, 200I) of the housing (200) through a fixing device, etc.

[0050] In one example, the flow path (300) may be multiple. In one example, the flow path (300) may include a first flow path (300a) and a second flow path (300b) that are fluidly separated from each other, and the first flow path (300a) and the second flow path (300b) may be fluidly connected by a connecting device (400) to be described later. In one example, the connecting device (400) may fluidly connect at least some of the multiple flow paths (300).

[0051] In one example, the connecting device (400) fluidly connecting the first flow path (300a) and the second flow path (300b) may be multiple, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] Meanwhile, in one example, if there are multiple connection devices (400), an integrated connector (500) may be disposed between the connection devices (400). In one example, the integrated connector (500) can fluidly connect multiple different connection devices (400). Additionally, even if there are not multiple connection devices (400), the integrated connector (500) may be disposed at one end of the connection device (400).

[0053] Generally, the integrated connector (500) may require a significant assembly space during the process of connecting other members to both ends, but when the connecting device (400) according to the embodiment of the present application is connected to both ends (or one end) of the integrated connector (500), the advantage is that assembly can be performed even in a narrow space by connecting the integrated connector (500) first and then assembling the connecting device (400).

[0054] FIGS. 4 to 6 are simplified perspective views illustrating a connection device (400) of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0055] FIGS. 7 to 9 are simplified perspective views illustrating a connection device (400) of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application. FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematic exploded perspective views illustrating a connection device (400) of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 12 is a simplified rear view illustrating a part of the connection device (400) of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0056] In one example, the connection device (400) may include a first connection part (410) and a second connection part (420) connected to the first connection part (410). In one example, the second connection part (420) may be coupled to the first connection part (410) so as to be movable relative to it within the housing (200). In one example, the second connection part (420) may include an insertion space (420IA, FIG. 8) into which the first connection part (410) can be inserted at least partially. In one example, the insertion space (420IA) may have a shape corresponding to the shape and size of the first connection part (410) so that the first connection part (410) can be inserted. For example, at least a portion of the first connection part (410) into the second connection part (420) may be cylindrical, and the insertion space (420IA) may be cylindrical according to this shape. In one example, the insertion space (420IA) may have an appropriate size and shape so that the first connecting part (410) can be smoothly inserted and properly fitted after insertion.

[0057] In one example, the first connection part (410) may move relative to the insertion space (420IA) or uninserted from the insertion space (420IA) within the housing (200) in a direction (i.e., D2 direction). That is, for example, the direction of relative movement may be the direction in which at least a portion of the first connection part (410) is inserted into the insertion space (420IA) or uninserted from the insertion space (420IA).

[0058] In one example, the direction in which at least a portion of the first connection part (410) is inserted into the insertion space (420IA) or released from the insertion space (420IA) may be a straight direction. For example, the first connection part (410) may move relative to the direction in which at least a portion of the portion is inserted into the insertion space (420IA) (i.e., the -D2 direction) or relative to the direction in which it is released from the insertion space (420IA) (i.e., the +D2 direction) within the housing (200).

[0059] In one example, the first connecting part (410) may include at least a portion that overlaps with the second connecting part (420) during relative movement. In one example, the first connecting part (410) may be inserted at least partially into the insertion space (420IA), and at least a portion of the part of the first connecting part (410) inserted into the insertion space (420IA) during relative movement may overlap with the second connecting part (420).

[0060] In one example, in order for the first connecting part (410) to move smoothly relative to the second connecting part (420), a lubricating layer may be formed on at least some surface of the area overlapping with the second connecting part (420) when the first connecting part (410) moves relative. In one example, the lubricating layer may include one or more of a solid lubricant and a liquid lubricant. The solid lubricant may include, for example, one or more of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), tungsten disulfide (WS2), graphite, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), but is not limited thereto as long as the coefficient of friction is lowered. The solid lubricant may form a lubricating layer by means such as coating or deposition. The liquid lubricant may include, for example, one or more of mineral oil-based lubricants, synthetic lubricants, and silicone oil, but is not limited thereto as long as the coefficient of friction is lowered. The liquid lubricant may form a lubricating layer by means such as coating or immersion.

[0061] In one example, a surface treatment portion may be formed on at least some surface of the area overlapping with the second connection portion (420) during relative movement of the first connection portion (410), such that the surface roughness is lower than that of the non-overlapping area. Through the surface treatment portion, the first connection portion (410) can move smoothly relative to the second connection portion (420). The surface treatment portion may be formed by, for example, a method such as surface polishing, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] In one example, at least a portion of the area of ​​the first connection part (410) that overlaps with the second connection part (420) during relative movement may be joined with a sealing member (e.g., an O-ring (440O)). This allows the sealing characteristics of the first connection part (410) and the second connection part (420) to be improved when the first connection part (410) moves relative to the second connection part (420).

[0063] In one example, the length of the first connecting part (410) of the connecting device (400) can vary depending on the degree to which it is inserted into the insertion space (420IA). By adjusting the degree to which the first connecting part (410) is inserted into the insertion space (420IA), the connecting device (400) can have an appropriate length, so that assembly and disassembly can be easily performed in a narrow space, such as inside the housing (200).

[0064] In one example, the first connecting part (410) may include a first coupling part (412) that does not overlap with the second connecting part (420) even when fully coupled with the second connecting part (420) during relative movement. In one example, the first connecting part (410) may include a first hook part (414) that is mounted on the outer surface of the first coupling part (412) and has a first protruding catch part (414HS) that protrudes inward toward the first coupling part (412).

[0065] In one example, the first hook portion (414) may include a handling portion (414D) formed to protrude outwardly in a direction opposite to the protrusion direction of the first protruding catch portion (414HS). Through the handling portion (414D), the assembly and disassembly of the first connecting portion (410) and the second connecting portion (420) can be made easy within a narrow space, such as inside the housing (200).

[0066] In one example, the handling portion (414D) may be formed to protrude so as not to overlap with the insertion space (420IA). By doing so, the first connecting portion (410) is not excessively inserted into the second connecting portion (420), thereby preventing the problem of assembly or disassembly work becoming difficult in a confined space.

[0067] In one example, the second connection part (420) may include a fixed coupling part (426) having a through part (426G) formed so that a part of the first connection part (410) inserted into the insertion space (420IA) is exposed.

[0068] In one example, the connecting device (400) may include a coupling member (428, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11) which is coupled to at least a portion between the first connecting member (410) and the second connecting member (420) so as to prevent relative movement between the first connecting member (410) and the second connecting member (420) by passing through a penetration portion (426G). In one example, the penetration portion (426G) may be formed to fit the shape of the coupling member (428), and when the coupling member (428) passes through the penetration portion (426G), it may press a portion of the first connecting member (410) inserted into the insertion space (420IA) to prevent relative movement between the first connecting member (410) and the second connecting member (420). That is, while working in a confined space, when the first connecting part (410) and the second connecting part (420) are moved relative to each other and an appropriate length (e.g., a length corresponding to the distance between each end of the flow path (300) to be connected through the connecting device (400)) is determined, the position of the first connecting part (410) can be fixed through the coupling body (428).

[0069] In one example, the assembly (428) may include a main body part (428-1) that is joined by pressing between the first connecting part (410) and the second connecting part (420) through a penetration part (426G). There may be multiple main body parts (428-1). In one example, the assembly (428) may include a connecting part (428-2) that connects multiple main body parts (428-1) that are spaced apart from each other. For example, the assembly (428) may have a C-shaped structure in which two main body parts (428-1) are integrally connected through the connecting part (428-2).

[0070] In one example, the connecting part (428-2) may have appropriate elasticity. In one example, the connecting part (428-2) may maintain a separation distance between a plurality of main body parts (428-1) before applying pressure between the first connecting part (410) and the second connecting part (420). At this time, the separation distance between the plurality of main body parts (428-1) may be smaller than the outer diameter of the first connecting part (410) or the outer diameter of the second connecting part (420) through the connecting part (428-2). Through this, the main body part (428-1) may maintain the pressure applied between the first connecting part (410) and the second connecting part (420) at a constant level.

[0071] Additionally, when an external force is applied to the connecting part (428-2), the distance between the multiple main body parts (428-1) can be made larger or smaller than before the external force was applied. For example, if the distance between the two main body parts (428-1) is increased by pressing the connecting part (428-2), the main body part (428-1) that was inserted inwardly into the penetration part (426G) can be discharged more easily outward from the penetration part (426G). Meanwhile, when the external force on the connecting part (428-2) is released, an elastic force is applied by the connecting part (428-2) to make the distance between the multiple main body parts (428-1) smaller, and accordingly, the main body part (428-1) can press between the first connecting part (410) and the second connecting part (420).

[0072] In one example, the assembly (428) may include a latch portion (428-3) that protrudes from the end of the main body portion (428-1) in a direction intersecting the extended direction of the main body portion (428-1). For example, the extended direction of the main body portion (428-1) may be the D1 direction, and the extended direction of the latch portion (428-3) may be the D2 direction. In one example, the angle between the extended direction of the main body portion (428-1) and the extended direction of the latch portion (428-3) may be 90 degrees or less. This minimizes the separation of the assembly (428), which presses the first connecting portion (410) and the second connecting portion (420), from the penetration portion (426G).

[0073] In one example, the penetration portion (426G) may have a shape corresponding to the assembly (428). Specifically, the penetration portion (426G) may have a shape corresponding to the main body portion (428-1). The main body portion (428-1) can penetrate the second connection portion (420) through the penetration portion (426G) to press between the first connection portion (410) and the second connection portion (420). When the main body portion (428-1) passes through the penetration portion (426G), the latch portion (428-3) is positioned over the outer wall of the second connection portion (420), thereby minimizing the detachment of the assembly (428) from the penetration portion (426G).

[0074] In one example, the fixed coupling portion (426) may include a locking portion (430) arranged to come into contact with the handling portion (414D) when the first connecting portion (410) moves relative to it. In one example, the locking portion (430) may protrude from the surface facing the first connecting portion (410). In one example, when the first connecting portion (410) moves relative to it, if the handling portion (414D) comes into contact with the locking portion (430), the first connecting portion (410) is no longer inserted into the second connecting portion (420), thus preventing the problem of the first connecting portion (410) being excessively inserted into the second connecting portion (420) and making it difficult to work in a confined space.

[0075] In one example, the fixed coupling portion (242) may include a seating portion (432) arranged to come into contact with the first hook portion (414) when the first connecting portion (410) moves relative to it. In one example, the seating portion (432) may be recessed from the surface facing the first connecting portion (410). In one example, when the first connecting portion (410) moves relative to it, if the seating portion (432) and the first hook portion (414) come into contact, the first connecting portion (410) is no longer inserted into the second connecting portion (420), thus preventing the problem of the first connecting portion (410) being excessively inserted into the second connecting portion (420) and making it difficult to work in a narrow space. In one example, the second connecting portion (420) may include a second coupling portion (422) that does not overlap with the first connecting portion (410) when moving relative to it. In one example, the second connecting portion (420) may include a second hook portion (424) having a second protruding catch portion (424HS) that is mounted on the outer surface of the second connecting portion (422) and protrudes inward toward the second connecting portion (422).

[0076] In one example, the first coupling part (412) and the second coupling part (422) may each be fluidly connected to the flow path (300). In one example, the first coupling part (412) and the second coupling part (422) may each be fluidly connected to the integral connector (500). Additionally, in one example, the first coupling part (412) and the second coupling part (422) may each be fluidly connected to the first coupling part (412) or the second coupling part (422) of another connection device (400). In one example, when the first connection part (410) is fluidly connected to a connection target such as the flow path (300), the integral connector (500), or another connection device (400), at least a portion of the connection target may enter between the first coupling part (412) and the first hook part (414) and be connected to at least a portion of the first coupling part (412). In one example, the first protruding catch (414HS) presses the connection target that has entered between the first coupling part (412) and the first hook part (414) in a direction toward the first coupling part (412) (i.e., D1 direction), thereby making it easier to work within a narrow space and preventing the problem of cooling material leaking out through superior coupling strength.

[0077] In one example, the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the first coupling part (412) may be parallel to the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the second coupling part (422). In another example, the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the first coupling part (412) may intersect with the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the second coupling part (422). In one example, the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the first coupling part (412) may be substantially perpendicular to the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the second coupling part (422).

[0078] In one example, the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through a portion of the first connection part (410) that overlaps with the second connection part (420) during relative movement may be parallel to the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the first coupling part (412) (see FIGS. 4 to 6).

[0079] In one example, the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through a portion of the first connection part (410) that overlaps with the second connection part (420) during relative movement may be parallel to the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the first coupling part (412) and may intersect with the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the second coupling part (422). In one example, the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through a portion of the first connection part (410) that overlaps with the second connection part (420) during relative movement may be substantially perpendicular to the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the second coupling part (422) (see FIGS. 7 to 12).

[0080] FIGS. 13 and 14 are simplified perspective views illustrating a connection device (400) of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section of a first coupling part (412) according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a connection device (400) of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application. FIGS. 17 and 18 are simplified perspective views illustrating a connection device (400) of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a connection device (400) of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0081] The description of FIGS. 13 to 19 may be explained by referring to the description of FIGS. 1 to 12 unless there is a contradiction, and the following description will focus on the differences.

[0082] According to various embodiments, the first connecting portion (410) may include a first disc portion (415) disposed between the insertion space (420IA) and the first coupling portion (412) during relative movement.

[0083] In one example, the first disc portion (415) may have the shape of a circular plate, for example.

[0084] In one example, the first disc portion (415) may be positioned to overlap at least partially with the insertion space (420IA) when viewed from the relative direction of movement (e.g., D2 direction). The first disc portion (415) may have a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the region that overlaps with the insertion space (420IA) when viewed from the relative direction of movement (e.g., D2 direction). That is, for example, the first connection portion (410) may be partially inserted into the insertion space (420IA) by the first disc portion (415).

[0085] Additionally, the first disc portion (415) may have a flat disc shape that does not have directionality in the direction of the rotation axis so that the first connecting portion (410) can be smoothly inserted into the insertion space (420IA) regardless of whether the first connecting portion (410) rotates a portion of the rotation axis in the direction of relative movement (e.g., D2 direction) while being inserted into the insertion space (420IA).

[0086] In one example, the first disc portion (415) can be connected to the first hook portion (414).

[0087] Meanwhile, in one example, the first coupling part (412) may have a shape in which the inner radius gradually decreases as it moves further away from the second coupling part (422) (i.e., towards +D2 direction) relative to the second coupling part (422) (see FIG. 15). For example, the first coupling part (412) may have an inclined surface (412L). The inclined surface (412L) may refer to a surface having a predetermined angle (Θ) relative to the direction of relative movement (e.g., D2 direction). The predetermined angle (Θ) may be, for example, greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Through this, the coupling performance of the first coupling part (412) can be improved.

[0088] In one example, the first connecting part (410) may include a groove (410GR) in at least a portion of the area overlapping with the second connecting part (420) during relative movement. Additionally, the first connecting part (410) may include a groove (410GR) and a protrusion (410PJ) in at least a portion of the area overlapping with the second connecting part (420) during relative movement (see FIG. 16 and FIG. 19). For example, the protrusion (410PJ) may allow the connecting part (428) to be fixed in position when the connecting part (428) passes through the penetration part (426G) and presses between the first connecting part (410) and the second connecting part (420) to be connected. For example, the protrusion (410PJ) may be formed by the groove (410GR), but is not limited thereto.

[0089] In one example, the second connecting part (420) may include a second disc part (425) disposed between the insertion space (420IA) and the second coupling part (422) when moving relative to each other. The second disc part (425) may have the shape of a circular plate, for example. The first disc part (415) and the second disc part (425) may face each other.

[0090] In one example, the second disc portion (425) may be positioned to overlap with the insertion space (420IA) when viewed from the relative direction of movement (e.g., D2 direction). The second disc portion (425) may have a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the region overlapping with the insertion space (420IA) when viewed from the relative direction of movement (e.g., D2 direction). The first disc portion (415) may allow the first connecting portion (410) to be smoothly inserted into the insertion space (420IA) by a predetermined amount, even if the second connecting portion (420) rotates around the axis of rotation in the relative direction of movement (e.g., D2 direction) while the first connecting portion (410) is inserted into the insertion space (420IA). In one example, the second disc portion (425) may be connected to the second hook portion (424).

[0091] In one example, at least a portion of the area of ​​the second connecting part (420) that overlaps with the first connecting part (410) during relative movement may be joined with a sealing part (e.g., an O-ring (440O)). However, it is not limited thereto. This allows the sealing characteristics of the first connecting part (410) and the second connecting part (420) to be improved when the first connecting part (410) moves relative to the second connecting part (420).

[0092] In one example, the first connection part (410) may not be fully inserted into the insertion space (420IA), and as a result, the connection device (400) may have a gap (GA) between the first connection part (410) and the second connection part (420). Additionally, if the first connection part (410) includes a first disc part (415), it may be desirable for the connection device (400) to have a gap (GA) between the first connection part (410) and the second connection part (420). Through this, the first connection part (410) can be smoothly inserted into the insertion space (420IA) to a predetermined extent while minimizing damage to the first connection part (410) and the second connection part (420).

[0093] FIG. 20 is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating at least a portion of the area where a coupling member (428) according to one embodiment of the present application contacts a first connection member (410). Referring to FIG. 20, in one example, the coupling member (428) may include a pin (428F) protruding from one surface. The pin (428F) may protrude in a direction toward the first connection member (410) when the coupling member (428) passes through a penetration member (426G) and presses a portion of the first connection member (410).

[0094] In one example, the first connection portion (410) may include a groove (410H) in at least a portion of the contact surface that contacts the assembly (428). The groove (410H) may be provided at a position corresponding to the pin (428F) of the assembly (428).

[0095] In one example, the pin (428F) of the assembly (428) and the groove (410H) of the first connection part (410) can interlock with each other to form a pin-groove connection when the assembly (428) is connected to the first connection part (410). Through this, the assembly (428) can stably prevent relative movement between the first connection part (410) and the second connection part (420) even under external shocks such as vibration. The number of pins (428F) and grooves (410H) is not particularly limited and may be one or multiple.

[0096] Meanwhile, the assembly (428) may include a groove formed from one side, and the first connecting part (410) may include a pin protruding in a direction toward the assembly (428) at a position corresponding to the groove formed in the assembly (428). Through this, when the assembly (428) is connected to the first connecting part (410), they interlock to form a pin-groove connection.

[0097] In one example, the assembly (428) may include a corrugated structure in at least a portion of the contact surface that contacts the first connection part (410). Additionally, the first connection part (410) may include a corrugated structure in at least a portion of the contact surface that contacts the assembly (428). Through this, the assembly (428) can stably prevent relative movement between the first connection part (410) and the second connection part (420) even under external shocks such as vibration.

[0098] A battery device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application can be widely applied in green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other solar and wind power generation utilizing batteries. In addition, a battery device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application can be applied to eco-friendly electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, etc., to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0099] Although various embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above, the scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and it will be obvious to those with average knowledge in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present application as described in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be implemented by deleting some components, and each embodiment may be implemented in combination with one another. Explanation of the symbols

[0100] 10... Battery device 100... battery assembly 200... Housing 300... Yudong-ro 400... connection device 410... 1st connection part 420... 2nd connection part 500... Integrated connector

Claims

Claim 1 A battery device comprising: a battery assembly; a housing for housing the battery assembly; a plurality of flow paths disposed between the battery assembly and the inner wall of the housing within the housing, through which a cooling material for cooling heat generated in the battery assembly flows; and a connecting device fluidly connecting at least some of the plurality of flow paths, wherein the connecting device comprises a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion connected to the first connecting portion and coupled to be movable relative to the first connecting portion within the housing, wherein the first connecting portion comprises at least partially an area that overlaps with the second connecting portion during relative movement, and the second connecting portion comprises an insertion space into which the first connecting portion can be inserted at least partially, and the first connecting portion comprises a first coupling portion that does not overlap with the second connecting portion during relative movement; and a first hook portion mounted on the outer surface of the first coupling portion and having a first protruding catch portion protruding inwardly toward the first coupling portion. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 A battery device according to claim 1, wherein the first hook portion further includes a handling portion formed to protrude outwardly opposite to the protruding direction of the first protruding catch portion, and the handling portion is formed to protrude so as not to overlap with the insertion space when viewed from the relative moving direction. Claim 6 A battery device according to claim 5, wherein the second connection part further comprises a fixed coupling part having a through-hole formed therein so that a portion of the first connection part inserted into the insertion space is exposed. Claim 7 A battery device according to claim 6, wherein the connection device further comprises a coupling member in which at least a portion is coupled between the first connection part and the second connection part so as to prevent relative movement between the first connection part and the second connection part through the penetration part. Claim 8 A battery device according to claim 6, wherein the fixed coupling part further comprises a locking part disposed to protrude from the surface facing the first connection part and contact the handling part when the first connection part moves relative to it. Claim 9 A battery device according to claim 6, wherein the fixed coupling part further comprises a seating part arranged to be indented from the surface facing the first connection part and contact the first hook part when the first connection part moves relative to it. Claim 10 A battery device according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion further comprises a first disc portion disposed between the insertion space and the first coupling portion during relative movement and connected to the first hook portion. Claim 11 A battery device according to claim 10, wherein the first disc portion is positioned to overlap at least partially with the insertion space when viewed from the direction of relative movement. Claim 12 A battery device according to claim 11, wherein the first disc portion has a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the region overlapping with the insertion space when viewed from the direction of relative movement. Claim 13 A battery device according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling part has an inclined surface inclined with respect to the relative direction of movement. Claim 14 A battery device according to claim 1, wherein the first connection part further includes a groove in at least a portion of the area overlapping with the second connection part during relative movement. Claim 15 A battery device according to claim 1, wherein the second connection part includes a second coupling part that does not overlap with the first connection part during relative movement, and the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the first coupling part is parallel to the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the second coupling part. Claim 16 A battery device according to claim 15, wherein the second connecting portion further comprises a second hook portion having a second protruding catch portion mounted on the outer surface of the second coupling portion and protruding inwardly toward the second coupling portion. Claim 17 A battery device according to claim 16, wherein the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through a portion of the first connection part that overlaps with the second connection part during the relative movement is parallel to the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the first connection part. Claim 18 A battery device according to claim 16, wherein the second connecting portion further comprises a second disc portion disposed between the insertion space and the second coupling portion during relative movement and connected to the second hook portion. Claim 19 A battery device according to claim 1, wherein the second connection part comprises a second coupling part that does not overlap with the first connection part during relative movement, and the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the first coupling part is substantially perpendicular to the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the second coupling part. Claim 20 A battery device according to claim 19, wherein the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through a portion of the first connection part that overlaps with the second connection part during relative movement is parallel to the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the first connection part and substantially perpendicular to the main flow direction of the cooling material passing through the second connection part.

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